Almost everyone learning foreign languages knows how complicated English translation can be. Some words simply don’t have a direct equivalent! Here are ten unique German expressions with no English translation, but I’m convinced we should use them more often in other languages!
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1. Der Dornröschenschlaf – “Sleeping Beauty Sleep”
This refers to a very deep sleep, where you’re compared to the fairytale princess Sleeping Beauty. A happily ever after isn’t guaranteed, but everyone feels better after a good rest.
2. Das Fernweh – “Far-Sickness”
Unlike Wanderlust, which is well-known in English, Fernweh describes an intense longing to travel far away. It’s the opposite of homesickness—if you stay in one place too long, you feel almost physical pain.
3. Der Futterneid – “Food Envy”
That awful moment when someone at the table orders better food than you. You sit there, jealous, because their meal looks so much tastier than yours!
4. Der Glückspilz – “Lucky Mushroom”
A Glückspilz is someone who seems always lucky—whether in career, love, or life. It might be annoying, but we all know that one person who never seems to have bad luck.
5. Die Götterspeise – “Food of the Gods”
Literally meaning “food of the gods”, this refers to delicious desserts. In Germany, it’s also known as Wackelpudding (wobbly jelly), and the green Waldmeister flavour is especially popular.
6. Der Ohrwurm – “Earworm”
An annoyingly catchy song that gets stuck in your head for days. You can almost imagine a tiny insect humming inside your ear—until you hear something new!
7. Die Torschlusspanik – “Gate-Closing Panic”
This originally meant the fear of being locked out after a city’s gates closed at night. Today, it describes the stress of missed opportunities, midlife crises, or the fear of running out of time to achieve your goals.
8. Die Vergangenheitsbewältigung – “Coming to Terms with the Past”
A long but meaningful word, it refers to the process of dealing with history—often used in discussions about Germany’s efforts to reflect on the past.
9. Verschlimmbessern – “To Make Things Worse While Trying to Improve Them”
Ever tried to fix something, only to make it worse? That’s Verschlimmbessern—when your efforts at improvement completely backfire!
10. Der Weltschmerz – “World Pain”
A feeling of melancholy and existential sadness, often caused by realising the world isn’t as perfect as you’d hoped.
Language is more than just words—it’s about culture! Some concepts are impossible to translate into English, but that’s what makes them special. If you’d like to improve your English communication skills, check out this guide on learning English fast with an English coach. Click here
If you’re feeling Weltschmerz, Torschlusspanik, or Fernweh, why not: -Treat yourself to a bowl of Götterspeise – Listen to a cheerful Ohrwurm – Enjoy a Dornröschenschlaf to forget everything